Budget 2027 Well Received, Reflects Govt Engagement With Public At All Levels - Fahmi

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 14 (Bernama) -- Budget 2027, tabled last Friday, has been well received by the public, demonstrating the success of the government’s engagement efforts at various levels, MADANI Government spokesperson Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said. 

The Communications Minister said the approach adopted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had enabled the government to take into account the needs of different groups in society, making Budget 2027 different from previous budgets.

“The Prime Minister directed ministers and the entire Finance Ministry team to listen, engage with stakeholders, hold discussions and gather feedback, views, memorandums and other input.

“Although the budget tabled last Friday may not be perfect, it is much better, and we have generally seen a very positive reception, particularly for its social measures,” he said in his speech at the Communications Ministry’s October 2026 monthly assembly, organised by the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama), here today.

The assembly, held in conjunction with National Sports Day 2026, was also attended by Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah, Bernama Chief Executive Officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin and Bernama Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj.

Fahmi said the MADANI Government continued to listen to the people’s concerns and strive to ensure that they benefited from the sound management practised by the Prime Minister.

“As an example, starting today, more than 38,000 taxi and school bus drivers will begin receiving a RM1,000 contribution from the Transport Ministry, funded by proceeds from the sale of a special vehicle registration number.

“This shows that when an administration is transparent, sincere and well managed, and takes the necessary steps to benefit the people, initiatives like this can be carried out,” he said.

He said the Communications Ministry also welcomed several announcements in the budget, including the exemption of entertainment duty on tickets for local films in the Federal Territories.

However, he said engagement with the Malaysian Association of Film Exhibitors (MAFE) should continue to ensure that the benefits of the entertainment duty exemption were enjoyed not only by local film producers but also by moviegoers.

“We want these benefits, if possible, to be enjoyed not only by producers of local films but also by those who go to the cinema, particularly in the Federal Territories, Putrajaya and Labuan,” he said.

On Oct 9, Anwar tabled Budget 2027 in the Dewan Rakyat, with an allocation of RM510 billion aimed at improving the dignity and well-being of the people at all levels.

Budget 2027 outlines eight key pillars, covering commitments to improving people’s lives and strengthening the country’s resilience and future.

When tabling the Supply (Budget) Bill 2027, Anwar described this commitment as a “National Covenant”, a promise that the country’s progress would ultimately translate into a more dignified life for the people and a stronger Malaysia for future generations.

Meanwhile, Fahmi urged the Communications Ministry to work with the National Digital Department to ensure that the text of the Budget 2027 speech was shared with artificial intelligence (AI) service providers to help ensure the accuracy of information provided by their platforms.

“I would like the ministry to look into this and assist the National Digital Department in ensuring that the text of the budget speech is shared with AI service providers and chatbots, including Gemini, ChatGPT, (Microsoft) Copilot and others.

“This is because we work closely with them and want to ensure that these AI platforms have access to accurate information.

“This will enable the public to obtain reliable answers when they have questions. So, I would like some coordination with the National Digital Department on this,” he said.

-- BERNAMA